I recently finished reading my way through the book of Nehemiah in my daily Bible reading plan.
It was the first time I'd read Nehemiah's full story, beyond just rebuilding the wall but also rebuilding the people of Israel back into a God-glorifying nation. He saw the need of his people, left a life of luxury and prestige, and took up the hard task to restore his people.
As I've been reading through the Bible, I've noticed how few real "heroes" there are, despite the conventional ones we look to. Abraham was a liar. David was an adulterer. Noah got drunk and angry. Yet these are the heroes we hold up, being the first Jew, a man after God's own heart, the only righteous person on earth.
But when I read Nehemiah's story, it's almost refreshing to read a story of someone who really was able to live out their faith in a God-honoring way. It offers a glimpse that this way of life we're racing after is possible, by the grace of God.
I was also struck by his faith and the way he continually turned to God throughout the book: Throughout his story it tells how he continually prayed to God for strength and wisdom and blessing when he was about to embark on a difficult or life-threatening task. Later he tells of how "my God gave me the idea" to register all the people of Israel, making it obvious of how in tune he was with his God and able to recognize his voice. And when they find the Book of Law of Moses and everyone weeps because they realize all the evil they've been committing unknowingly, he tells them to stop crying and start celebrating, because he recognized that it is a day of joy when the Law has been rediscovered and reestablished.
And so, in this man who isn't one of the usual Sunday School superstars or Bible "heroes" everyone names their children after, I found a new appreciation and example to be commended.
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Thank you for this insight into the life of a great man. I am now going to have to go back and read about Nehemiah again. :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Ah, I'm so glad to hear that LaVonne! Sometimes I'm so surprised about what I find buried in my Bible, such treasures!
ReplyDeleteThis is great. I'm currently on an Old Testament reading plan and now I'm really looking forward to Nehemiah. :)
ReplyDeleteI've always been more of a fan of the New Testament because it's (seemingly) so much more practical, but reading through the OT has been such a blessing in my life. There is a lot of wisdom to glean from those books. So thanks for sharing!
Yes, I love the book of Nehemiah!! Thanks for sharing your insights :)
ReplyDeletewhen i read chapters 5 and on i was struck by Nehemiahs sacrifice. Again and again it says he did not take money for governing and had 150 people eat at his table daily. He said "I did not use the food allowance for the governor - the people had it hard enough. How amazing that a leader who could have lived luxuriously worked, fought, ate and sacrificed beside his people. When you have honorable leaders that serve and work as hard or harder than you it inpires honor and hard work in all. I pray Americas leaders would take to heart characteristics of this man, but i fear its getting worse. God is merciful and amazing and everything that happened in nehemiah's time and ours is all under his control
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